Description
This Instant Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery brown sugar and maple syrup glaze, topped with melted mini marshmallows. Perfectly tender and indulgently sweet, it’s an ideal side dish for holidays or family dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chunks
Syrup Mixture
- 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Topping
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into thick chunks to ensure even cooking and the right texture.
- Soak: Soak the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl of cool water for 5-10 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together.
- Melt Butter: While the potatoes soak, place the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it fully to prepare the syrup base.
- Mix Syrup: Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg into the melted butter to create a flavorful glaze.
- Drain Potatoes: Drain the soaked sweet potatoes well to remove all the water, then transfer them to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
- Add Syrup: Pour the prepared syrup mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot, ensuring full coverage.
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid securely and set the vent to the sealing position.
- Pressure Cook: Use the steam or pressure cook function set to normal pressure for 5 minutes to cook the sweet potatoes until tender.
- Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle finishes, perform a quick release to immediately release the steam and prevent overcooking.
- Open Lid: Carefully remove the lid once all the pressure has been released.
- Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the cooked sweet potatoes, then place the lid back on (not sealed) to allow the marshmallows to melt with residual heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally sprinkling additional marshmallows on top and using a kitchen torch to lightly melt or broil them for a toasted finish. Optionally, dust with cinnamon before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the sweet potatoes helps reduce starch and enhances texture.
- Use fresh spices like grated nutmeg for more intense flavor.
- If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute corn syrup, but maple syrup adds a richer taste.
- Be cautious when releasing pressure; use a towel or utensil to avoid steam burns.
- Using a kitchen torch to toast marshmallows adds extra flavor and visual appeal but is optional.
- This recipe scales well: adjust cooking times slightly for larger or smaller batches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American